Bloomington woman gets federal prison time for making false statements

Indianapolis, Indiana – A Bloomington woman who admitted to making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm was given a federal prison sentence.

According to court records, on February 26, 2021, Ariel Campbell, 28, purchased an AR-style weapon with a high-capacity magazine from a federally authorized firearms dealer in Bloomington. Campbell pretended to be buying the gun for herself, but according to the prosecution, Antione Sutton, a convicted major violent felon, was the intended recipient.

Investigators viewed dealer surveillance footage. It depicted Campbell and Sutton entering the store and perusing a variety of weapons and accessories on various occasions during the month of February 2021.

Sutton attempted to pay for a gun in part and informed a staff member that Campbell would cover the remaining cost and complete the ATF firearms purchase form. Campbell lied on the document and claimed that she was the true buyer.

According to the investigators, Sutton and Campbell also exchanged texts in which Sutton gave Campbell advice on which firearm and ammo to purchase.

One text from Campbell read, “I’ll grab guns for you whenever, I really don’t care.”

On March 5, 2021, police found the gun at Sutton’s residence.

According to the prosecution, Campbell attempted to purchase two further handguns for Sutton in March 2021 but was unsuccessful.

Campbell received a 10-month federal prison term.

“Those who believe they can circumvent firearm laws by purchasing on behalf of convicted felons are just as culpable in driving gun violence,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “These individuals may be able to legally purchase a firearm at the time, but they are still engaging in serious criminal activity that provides dangerous felons with the ability to arm themselves and traffic more guns. They are in no way less to blame for the murders and violence we see every day and we will work to hold them accountable.”